Colorado – Dry grass rustles, flags whip sharply, and the air feels deceptively warm this morning across the Denver metro. It looks calm, but conditions are primed for rapid change as fire danger gives way to winter weather before the week ends.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver and Boulder, elevated to near-critical fire weather conditions are expected today. Low humidity and gusty southwest winds combine to raise wildfire concerns, especially near the foothills from Jefferson County through Douglas County. Gusts may approach 40 mph across the plains, with stronger winds west of I-25. Officials urge residents to avoid outdoor burning or any activity that could spark a fire.
By Thursday, winter pushes back in. Clouds thicken early, and rain may mix with snow by late morning. Snow becomes more widespread through the afternoon as colder air settles along the Front Range. Accumulation in Denver remains light, but even minor snowfall could affect travel during the evening drive.
Snow continues into Thursday night, with temperatures dropping into the low 20s. Slick conditions are likely on I-25, I-70, and elevated roadways. As snow tapers, wet pavement may refreeze, creating patches of black ice into Friday morning. Plan extra time if commuting and use caution on bridges and shaded streets.
Friday stays cold and breezy. Highs struggle to climb above the lower 30s, keeping roads slow to improve. Skies gradually clear by evening, setting up a sharp temperature drop Friday night. The weekend turns quieter and sunnier, with a gradual warmup heading into early next week.
Five-Day Outlook for Denver, Colorado
Today: Mostly sunny, windy, high near 61
Tonight: Mostly cloudy, low near 30
Thursday: Rain changing to snow, high near 41
Friday: Chance of snow early, colder, high near 33
Saturday: Mostly sunny, high near 44
